Can acid reflux damage your heart?

People who have GERD are more likely than others to end up with heart disease, characterized by abnormal heartbeats, plaque buildup in the heart arteries or reduced blood flow to the heart.

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What damage can acid reflux cause?

Stomach acid can break down tissue in the esophagus, causing inflammation, bleeding, and sometimes an open sore (ulcer). Esophagitis can cause pain and make swallowing difficult. Narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture). Damage to the lower esophagus from stomach acid causes scar tissue to form.

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Can acid reflux become a life threatening condition?

Although acid reflux is not life threatening, chronic acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can cause serious health complications over time. Occasional acid reflux is fairly common, but GERD causes persistent acid reflux, heartburn, and nausea. It may also inflame the esophagus, causing esophagitis.

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Can acid reflux cause permanent damage?

GERD can be a problem if it's not treated because, over time, the reflux of stomach acid damages the tissue lining the esophagus, causing inflammation and pain. In adults, long-lasting, untreated GERD can lead to permanent damage of the esophagus.

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What happens if I have acid reflux everyday?

But long-term GERD can lead to more serious health problems: Esophagitis: Esophagitis is the irritation and inflammation the stomach acid causes in the lining of the esophagus. Esophagitis can cause ulcers in your esophagus, heartburn, chest pain, bleeding and trouble swallowing.

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Heartburn, Acid Reflux and GERD – The Differences Decoded

37 related questions found

Does GERD shorten life expectancy?

While GERD can be a painful disturbance to your lifestyle, it doesn't necessarily affect your lifespan. Those who can manage their symptoms effectively will have a healthier and improved quality of life. Some therapies may work better for some than others.

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What happens when you have acid reflux for years?

Long-term acid reflux can damage the esophagus and may lead to a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer. Barrett's affects about 3% to 10% of older men, but within this group the risk of developing esophageal cancer is only about four in every 1,000 cases.

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Can acid reflux cause sudden death?

The results suggest that acid movement up the esophagus is a trigger for sudden death in KA induced seizures. The fact that blocking acid also eliminates sudden death implies causation. These results may provide insight to the mechanism of SUDEP in humans.

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What happens if acid reflux goes untreated?

However, when acid reflux occurs frequently and is left untreated, it can lead to conditions such as esophagitis, ulcers, strictures, aspiration pneumonia, and Barrett's esophagus. People who have frequent episodes of acid reflux are also at a slightly increased risk for developing esophageal cancer.

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Does acid reflux affect life expectancy?

In this population-based study with >50,000 person-years of follow-up, the results suggested that the presence of frequent or infrequent heartburn symptoms was not associated with a decrease in overall life expectancy.

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What are warning signs of acid reflux?

Signs of acid reflux can be painful.
...
The most common signs and symptoms of acid reflux are:
  • Heartburn – A burning sensation that can run from your throat to the center of your chest.
  • Regurgitation of food or sour liquid.
  • Chronic, dry cough.
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • A sensation of a lump in your throat.
  • Horse or sore throat.

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What does acid reflux damage feel like?

You have a sharp, burning feeling just below your breastbone or ribs. The chest pain can be accompanied by an acidic taste in your mouth, regurgitation of food, or a burning in your throat. Pain generally doesn't spread to your shoulders, neck, or arms, but it can.

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How do you know your esophagus is damaged?

Common symptoms of esophagitis include:
  1. Difficulty swallowing.
  2. Painful swallowing.
  3. Swallowed food becoming stuck in the esophagus, also known as food impaction.
  4. Chest pain, particularly behind the breastbone, that occurs with eating.
  5. Heartburn.
  6. Acid regurgitation.

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Do you have to live with acid reflux?

Even if PPIs control your symptoms, it may be helpful to see a specialist so you can discuss your risk for developing Barrett's esophagus. Barrett's esophagus is a pre-cancerous condition caused by GERD that can cause you to develop esophageal cancer. You don't have to “just live with” acid reflux.

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How long does acid reflux take to heal?

GERD is a medical condition in which acidic liquids in the stomach leak up into the esophagus. Minor cases of GERD can heal in less than a month while moderate cases can take 6 to 12 weeks of treatment.

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What is the last stage of acid reflux?

Stage 4: Reflux induced precancerous lesions or esophageal cancer. Stage 4 is the result of many years of untreated severe reflux. 10% of patients with long-term GERD progress to stage 4. They develop a pre-cancerous condition called Barrett's esophagus.

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Can acid reflux cause a stroke?

Reflux esophagitis is associated with higher risks of acute stroke and transient ischemic attacks in patients hospitalized with atrial fibrillation: a nationwide inpatient sample analysis.

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Can acid reflux send you to the hospital?

While milder cases respond well to over-the-counter remedies like antacids or baking soda, severe acid reflux often accompanies serious and life-threatening symptoms that require your immediate attention.

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Why am I getting acid reflux as I age?

With age, the stomach muscles and tissue fibers weaken, and it's not uncommon for the upper portion to bulge into the chest cavity, a condition called hiatal hernia. This causes your diaphragm to reposition as well, so it can no longer keep stomach fluid in its place — heartburn.

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Does acid reflux get worse with age?

There is no one clear age where heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) see a specific spike, but it's a fact of life that heartburn does worsen as we get older.

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How do you get rid of chronic acid reflux?

Try to:
  1. Maintain a healthy weight. ...
  2. Stop smoking. ...
  3. Elevate the head of your bed. ...
  4. Start on your left side. ...
  5. Don't lie down after a meal. ...
  6. Eat food slowly and chew thoroughly. ...
  7. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux. ...
  8. Avoid tight-fitting clothing.

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Can you take Nexium for years?

These are medications with brand names like Nexium or Losec and reduce acid in the stomach to very low levels and can be very effective at combating the burning sensation in the chest. Trouble is, long-term use of PPIs can be harmful.

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Can acid reflux be cured?

Yes, GERD can be cured. The most common treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is medication, which can help to decrease the amount of acid in your stomach. If lifestyle changes don't help, your doctor may also recommend surgery.

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How long does it take for GERD to turn into Barrett's esophagus?

Barrett's esophagus developed after 20 wk, while esophageal adenocarcinoma appeared after 40 wk[72].

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What foods heal the esophagus?

Medical research shows that it may also help prevent Barrett's esophagus from worsening and lower your risk of cancer in the esophagus.
...
Add these and other fiber-rich foods to your daily diet:
  • fresh, frozen, and dried fruit.
  • fresh and frozen vegetables.
  • whole-grain breads and pasta.
  • brown rice.
  • beans.
  • lentils.
  • oats.
  • couscous.

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